2/21/10 - The
EMDOM
USA/MM GPS Pouch is a GPS pouch designed for the Garmin GPSMAP
60CSx or similarly-sized GPS unit that allows the user to operate
and use the GPS unit without having to remove it from the pouch.
This reduces the possiblity of the GPS unit being dropped during
extraction and replacement in conventional pouches. The design enables
the user to glance down at the GPS unit 'on the go' without having
to hold it in his hand.

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx unit, and while looking
around for a suitable GPS case, didn't find anything I really wanted,
so I decided to collaborate with EMDOM on a design. I wanted it
to be molle-compatible, and relatively streamlined; and hold just
the GPS unit without accessories. More importantly, I wanted to
be able to use the GPS unit without removing it from the pouch every
time I needed to use it. I wanted to be able to turn on, operate
and refer to the GPS unit while on the move, without having to hold
it in my hand. I came up with a clamshell design that holds the
GPS unit inside the front portion of the pouch, which opens out
and down so the GPS unit can be operated horizontally. All buttons
can be accessed from either side and the GPS unit can be removed
quickly if need be. When the GPS unit is mounted on a vest or shoulder
strap of a pack, the pouch can be left open with the unit on, leaving
the hands free.

Key Features of the
EMDOM/MM GPS Pouch:

Dimensions - The EMDOM/MM GPS pouch
is approximately 5.5" tall x 3" wide x 1.5" deep (internal
dimensions). Although initially sized for the GPSMAP 60 series (60,
60CS, 60CSx), which are about 5.25" tall x 2.25" wide x
1.5" deep with an antenna sticking up another 1.5", the
pouch will also fit any other GPS unit that fits within those dimensions.
It will also hold the Oregon and Colorado series of GPS units, and
any other smaller ones. The pouch takes up two columns and three rows
of PALS.

Front and rear panel stiffening sheets - The front
and rear panels of the pouch have HDPE sheets to protect the unit
from bumps and sharp objects. The sheets spread the impact over a
wider area where thin foam might still allow damage to the unit. The
sheets also prevent buttons from being pressed accidentally. The inside
of the front panel is lined completely with loop velcro, which also
provides some padding.

Molle compatible - The GPS pouch has five rows of
webbing on the back, allowing it to be used with both long and short
Malice clips for vest or belt mounting.

Top antenna opening - For GPS units with a top antenna,
the GPS pouch has overlapping elastic at the top that allows the antenna
to protrude.

E-MM GPS pouch

Rear showing both mounting options

Long or short Malice clips

Bottom grommet

Antenna opening

Retaining sleeve - The GPS pouch comes with a sleeve
that is clear plastic on the front and has elastic straps on the sides
to retain the GPS unit in the pouch and provide additional protection
for the screen. The clear screen is 2.5" tall x 2.25" wide.
There is hook velcro on the back of the sleeve, which secures to the
loop velcro lining the inside front panel of the pouch. 60-series
Garmins units 'nest' in the pouch quite securely without the sleeve,
as the antenna sticks out of the pouch and retains it. The sleeve
is elastic so it will fit a variety of units, but it may be a bit
looser or tighter depending on the dimensions of the unit. It can
be positioned anywhere in the pouch - near the top or the bottom.
The clear sleeve will still allow touch-screens to function - it functions
like a screen protector. I tested it with a Garmin Oregon and my cell
phone screen and I was able to operate them without issues.

Full zipper opening/closure - The GPS pouch has
a full length zipper that allows it to open completely. The zipper
pulls can be shortened if desired.

Adjustable opening angle - The front panel opens
out and down, and is designed to hold the GPS unit horizontally. The
550 cord that controls how much the front panel opens can be lengthened
or shortened to vary the angle that the unit sits. The cord ends go
through two small eyelets at the top of the pouch and the knot can
be re-tied to lengthen or shorten the cord.

Clear sleeve

Installed on 60CSx

Velcro on the back

Inside of pouch with velcro

Adjustable cords

Unit installed in pouch

Shoulder strap mounting - The pouch can be mounted
vertically on a pack shoulder strap via overlapping velcro straps
at the top and bottom of the pouch.

1000D Cordura construction

Drainage grommet at the bottom

Pack strap mounting

On pack strap

Mounted to OSOE micro chest rig

iPod and compact camera

Applications - As mentioned
above, the EMDOM/MM GPS Pouch can accommodate any unit that fits within
its dimensions, as well as other electronic items. I found that my
iPod and earbuds fit it, as did my compact digital camera. It will
also fit smartphones. If the retaining sleeve isn't used or doesn't
fit, a small bit of adhesive velcro on the back of an item will retain
it in the pouch.

Using the pouch - The sleeve is first put over the
GPS unit, then the unit placed in the pouch by pressing it against
the front panel to engage the velcro securely. The GPS unit can be
removed from the pouch any time with the sleeve installed. To use
the unit, the zippers are opened and the front of the pouch swung
down. All buttons and the screen are easily accessed as the 550 cords
do not get in the way. Depending on where it's mounted, either or
both hands can be used.

I have the GPS pouch mounted on an OSOE Micro Chest rig, which places
it at a convenient height and position to operate the unit and see
the screen on the move.

Update- We've had a lot of inquiries about whether the EMDOM GPS
Pouch fits the larger Garmin Rino 655t model with dual antenna, and
up until now, I wasn't sure. I was able to test fit a 655t dummy unit
in the pouch, and while it's a snug fit, it definitely works. I'd
recommend the large GPS below, for a more comfortable fit.

EMDOM-MM
Large GPS Pouch

10/9/16
- By request, EMDOM
USA has introduced a larger
version of their GPS Pouch to fit larger GPS units like
the Garmin Montana series. It is designed to allow the user
to operate and use the GPS unit without having to remove it
from the pouch. This reduces the possiblity of the GPS unit
being dropped during extraction and replacement in conventional
pouches. The design enables the user to glance down at the GPS
unit 'on the go' without having to hold it in his hand. It also
works well with smart phones.

Ever since EMDOM came out with the original GPS
pouch, I had received requests to build a larger version to
fit the Montana series (or any other unit with similar dimensions).
It took a while, but here it is. Like the original GPS pouch,
I had the same goals for the larger version: molle and shoulder-strap
compatible, relatively streamlined; and sized to hold just the
GPS unit without accessories. The challenge with the Montana
vs the Rino is the larger screen. Holding it securely in the
pouch without blocking access to the screen was a challenge,
but we came up with a way that works well.

The clamshell design holds the GPS unit inside
the front portion of the pouch, which opens out and down so
the GPS unit can be operated horizontally. All buttons can be
accessed from either side and the GPS unit can be removed quickly
if need be. When the GPS unit is mounted on a vest or shoulder
strap of a pack, the pouch can be left open with the unit on,
leaving the hands free.

Key Features of
the EMDOM/MM Large GPS Pouch:

Dimensions - External max dimensions of the
EMDOM/MM Large GPS pouch are approximately 6" tall x 3.5"
wide x 1.8" deep. It's internal dimensions are sized to
fit the Garmin
Montana series, which measures 5.7" tall x 2.9"
wide x 1.4" deep. While similar in dimensions to the original
GPS pouch shown above, the main difference is in the depth,
and the Montana was just a bit too big to stuff in the original
pouch. The large pouch will also fit any other GPS unit or item
that fits within those dimensions. It will also hold the Oregon
and Colorado series of GPS units, and any other smaller ones,
plus cameras, phones, two-way radios etc. The pouch takes up
two columns and three rows of PALS.

Front and rear panel stiffening sheets
- The front and rear panels of the pouch have HDPE sheets to protect
the unit from bumps and sharp objects. The sheets spread the impact
over a wider area where thin foam might still allow damage to
the unit. The sheets also prevent buttons from being pressed accidentally.
The inside of the front panel has a thin layer of EVA foam padding,
and is also lined completely with loop velcro, which provides
additional padding. The front of the pouch has a velcro field,
creating two loops for pens etc.

Molle compatible - The GPS pouch
has five rows of webbing on the back, allowing it to be used with
both long and short Malice clips for vest or belt mounting.

Shoulder strap mounting - The pouch
can be mounted vertically on a pack shoulder strap via overlapping
velcro straps at the top and bottom of the pouch.

Drainage grommet at the bottom
- The large GPS pouch has a hole at the bottom for water drainage.

Top antenna opening - For GPS units
with a top antenna like the Rino illustrated below, the large
GPS pouch has overlapping elastic at the top that allows the antenna
to protrude. You can also route headphone or power cables through
the opening.

E-MM Large GPS pouch

MOLLE panel on the back, and velcro straps

Rear showing both mounting options

Bottom drain grommet

Top antenna opening

Retention panel - The large GPS pouch has a retention
panel that secures the unit into the pouch. It has a velcro-backed
cordura panel and two clear plastic straps with velcro one-wrap
on the ends that allow it to be adjusted and configured different
ways. The clear plastic straps are only 0.5" wide and don't
hide any part of the screen. The clear plastic is touch-screen compatible
and you can select and swipe through the clear plastic should it
cover part of a smart phone screen.

Full zipper opening/closure - The large GPS pouch
has a full length zipper that allows it to open completely. The
zipper pulls are 550 cord.

Adjustable opening angle - The front clamshell
panel opens out and down, and is designed to hold the GPS unit horizontally.
The 550 cord that controls how much the front panel opens can be
lengthened or shortened to vary the angle that the unit sits. The
cord ends go through two small holes in the velcro one-wrap at the
top of the pouch and the knot can be re-tied to lengthen or shorten
the cord.

Retention panel

Fully adjustable

Installed on Montana

Original vs. large GPS pouches - I've illustrated
the original and large EMDOM/MM GPS pouches below. The difference
seems subtle, but the large one actually has substantially more
volume, and is better suited to units with thicker (deeper) battery
packs. The Blackberry classic shown below measures 5.2" x 3"
and nests nicely inside the front panel, but phones up to about
5.5" x 3" can be accommodated. Center-mounted on a chest
rig allows quick typing with both thumbs.

Original vs. large GPS pouches

Original vs. large

Blackberry classic

Applications - As mentioned
above, the EMDOM/MM Large GPS Pouch can accommodate any GP unit
that fits within its internal dimensions, as well as other electronic
items like cameras and smart phones. If the retaining sleeve isn't
used or doesn't fit, a small patch of adhesive velcro on the back
of an item will retain it in the pouch.

The Large GPS Pouch is constructed of 1000D Cordura nylon and is
available in Black, Coyoteish, MultiCam, SDU Grey and Sewer Green.
Custom colours available - visit the EMDOM
page for more details. Weight is 4 oz. Thanks also to Garmin
for providing the dummy unit for sizing and illustrating purposes.

ITW/Down
East Inc FASTmag (Gen 2)

3/24/08 - Back in June
of '07, I got a heads up from Justin at Down East Inc, of a Marine
Corps solicitation for their ILBE pouches. One of these was for
a 30-round M16/M4 Speed Reload pouch. The product developed by Down
East Inc and marketed primarily by ITW
Military Products was the FASTmag. However, I didn't like it
that much as I felt that it was too wide and bulky. I voiced my
concerns, and Justin told me that they were already working on a
revised product that addressed those issues. I decided not to do
a writeup on the Gen 1 FASTmag and instead wait for the improved
version. Fast forward a few months, and the Gen 2 FASTmag was debuted
around the time of the '08 SHOT Show in February. The Gen 2 FASTmag
is indeed a great improvement over the first version, and worth
the wait.

Some of the desired objectives by the ILBE
Speed Reload Pouch solicitation were:

Single magazine capacity - MOLLE/PALS compatible.

Accessibility and retention - Magazine shall (a) allow easy accessibility
to provide shooter his/her first choice for reloading; (b) have
adequate retention with, without the use of a closure device; (c)
item able to remain in pouch during normal combat operations; and
(d) have a single closure device, but it must be able to be stowed
out of the way. Rationale - The Speed pouch is the first magazine
pouch that the shooter will utilize when he needs to re-load. The
magazine must be easily removed to facilitate re-loading. The magazine
must not be loose in the pouch and must remain secure during combat
operations.

Pouch closure - The speed shall have no closure device and maintain
magazine security. Rationale - The closure device is for magazine
security and must be able to be removed, undone or stowed during
combat operations and be re-attachable. No closure device is needed
if the pouch maintains magazine security.

Item control - When the magazine is fully inserted in the pouch,
a portion of the magazine shall be exposed to allow user to fully
grasp the magazine and gain positive control to facilitate a smooth
and deliberate one hand reloading of the weapon. Rationale - The
magazine must be able to be grasped and controlled in the user’s
hand without the need to re-adjust the grasp or change position
of the magazine prior to placing the magazine in the weapon’s
magazine well.

Magazine content - Pouch shall allow a magazine to be placed down
with the rounds facing the bottom of the pouch, and also allow a
fully-loaded magazine to be placed in pouch with the rounds facing
either to the left or to the right side . Rationale - The technique
for reloading the M16/M4 rifle requires the user to quickly reload
the weapon in a smooth continuous motion. The user will remove the
magazine by angling his wrist upside-down and remove the magazine
by grabbing the bottom of the magazine. The user’s wrist will
naturally turn upright upon removal of the magazine to facilitate
quick reload of the weapon. For the purpose of modularity, the magazine
shall accommodate both left and right handed shooters. Therefore
the pouch will require the magazine to be placed with rounds facing
left or right while the rounds face down .

One-hand operation - Pouch shall allow easy insertion and removal
of a magazine with one hand. Rationale - The Speed Reload Pouch
must allow the user to replace spent magazines easily. This act
must allow the user to maintain control of his weapon with one hand
while replenishing the speed pouch with the other hand. Also, during
a combat engagement the user will orient the weapon in the direction
of the target at all times. Therefore, the user must maintain control
of the weapon while reloading with one hand.

As far as I can tell, the FASTmag meets all those requirements. There
are also the Universal Physical Performance Characteristics (maintenance,
durability, operating temps, environment etc), but I have no information
about whether the FASTmag has met them.

As mentioned above, the FASTmag is not meant to replace all the ammo
pouches on a rig - but to provide the fastest first or second reload
possible. It retains mags without lids, flaps or covers. The FASTmag
is a lightweight pouch consisting of two molded high-impact polymer
clamshell halves. These are permanently attached together at the bottom
by the rivets/snaps. When the two halves are pushed apart, the plastic
flexes at the bottom, providing tension, which pushes the halves back
together. This tension is what retains the magazine in the pouch.
A rubber band also provides additional tension; this rubber band can
be placed at any of three positions on the pouch. The higher it's
placed, the more tension it provides. Rubber pads (traction strips)
are overmolded on the inside of the two halves in the center, which
contact the magazine inside the pouch, retaining it with friction.
A shock cord 'jump strap', or lanyard, can be pulled over the end
of the magazine for additional security, especially when using the
pouch upside down. It can be stowed around the bottom of the pouch
when not in use.

The rear half has two 'ears', or tabs, which are inserted under PALS/MOLLE
webbing to retain the top. Two straps weave through the PALS and snap
at the bottom of the pouch to secure the FASTmag to any MOLLE rig.
It can be mounted up or down for a normal draw, or to draw the mag
from the bottom. The tabs are canted 10° to tip the mag slightly
outwards from the body, something the Gen1 FASTmag did not do. A tabless
version is also available for belt mounting. A drain hole is molded
into the bottom of the FASTmag.

The Gen 1 FASTmag was actually 3 columns of PALS wide, which prevented
mounting two side by side on 4 columns. The Gen 2 FASTmag fits just
fine on two columns of PALS, and as you can see, I had no problems
mounting 3 in a row on a plate carrier.

Front and rear views

Foliage green

Molle straps

Side view

Pmag and USGI mag

Gen2 and Gen1 FASTmags

Mounted to plate carrier - Pmag, Lancer, USGI

The FASTmag is designed to fit USGI 30-round magazines, but will
also accomodate HK mags, Pmags and the Lancer mags I have. When extracting
the magazine, a slight twisting motion is supposed to be used. This
forces the two halves apart, and also allows the magazine to reduce
contact with the rubber traction strips. Magazines can be extracted
without twisting, but require a bit more force. I found inserting
and extracting the mags to be quicker than any other pouch I've tried
- the 10° forward cant greatly helps in getting your hand on the
mag. I dislike nylon pouches with kydex inserts as they tend to be
very bulky, but I understand the desire/need for open-top pouches
without flaps. The FASTmag has a lower profile than most of these
pouches, which I've also found to be very tight and did not work with
all mags. While the FASTmag isn't modular (you cannot stack it or
mount additional pouches to the front), I much prefer it to the nylon-covered
kydex pouches. I think the FASTmag will do very well as primary mag
pouches whenever only two or three reloads are needed on a low profile
rig, or to suppliment a heavier/full loadout as the first or second
reload pouches when ease of access and speed are the paramount factor.

It has come to my attention that ITW
FASTmags are being counterfeited/ripped off overseas. Do NOT buy these
cheaply made, low quality products made of junk material, nor support
these companies copying U.S. designed products. Theft of intellectual
property is a crime and buying rip-off products is a slap in the face
to the designers and companies who work hard to develop these products.

ITW/Down
East Inc FASTmag (Gen 3)

7/5/09
- ITW
Military Products has introduced the Gen 3 version of their
FASTmag. It now comes in two versions - a MOLLE version and a belt-mounted
version. What's interesting is that the Belt version can be attached/stacked
onto the front of the MOLLE version, creating a double FASTmag pouch
for added capacity over the Gen 2 version.

Some of the improvements/changes over the Gen
2 version featured in the previous writeup (above) are:

Comes in two versions - the MOLLE version and the Belt version.
The MOLLE version has the same ears/tabs that are slipped under
MOLLE webbing to anchor the top of the pouch. The Belt version eliminates
those tabs, and instead has a removable spacer to accommodate different
width belts.

The shock cord bungee that was on the Gen 2 has been eliminated.

A polymer strap has replaced the sewn MOLLE webbing strap. The
straps are slightly stretchy and are woven in and out of the MOLLE/PALS
webbing, then secured at the bottom of the FASTmag. A small 'hook'
tab is molded at the bottom of the mag pouch, and the strap has
a corresponding hole which engages the hook. It seems pretty secure,
yet it's not difficult to remove intentionally. The new straps are
thinner and less bulky then the Gen 2 sewn webbing straps.

FASTmags can be stacked (the belt version attached to the front
of the MOLLE version). Slot loops are molded onto the front of both
versions. These slots allow the MOLLE straps of the pouches to be
woven through and secured. These slots will also accept 3"/short
MALICE clips, but not MOLLE straps with snaps. The rear of the FASTmags
are molded so that they fit on the front of another FASTmag securely,
without any shifting.

The internal rubber retention pad configuration has changed -
the front one has been eliminated.

The Gen 3 FASTmag operates in the same way as the Gen 2 FASTmag.
It is not meant to replace all the ammo pouches on a rig (although
this can be done if desired) - but to provide the fastest first or
second reload possible. It retains mags without lids, flaps or covers.
The FASTmag is a lightweight pouch consisting of two molded high-impact
polymer clamshell halves. These are permanently attached together
at the bottom by a rivet which also functions as a drainage grommet.
When the two halves are pushed apart, the plastic flexes at the bottom,
providing tension, which pushes the halves back together. This tension
is what retains the magazine in the pouch. A rubber band also provides
additional tension; this rubber band can be placed at a high or low
position on the pouch. The higher it's placed, the more tension it
provides. A rubber pad (traction strip) is overmolded on the inside
of the rear plate, which contacts the magazine inside the pouch, retaining
it with friction.

Belt and MOLLE FASTmags

Rear view

New Molle straps

Belt version attached to belt

Belt stacked on MOLLE version

Bottom view of stack

Pouch attached to front

The Gen 3 FASTmag is easier to attach to MOLLE webbing than the Gen
2. I always had a hard time making sure that the sewn-on webbing strap
lay flat - the excess tab where it was sewn always seemed to sit wrong
and add some bulk. The new polymer straps are lower profile and just
as secure. Stacking the FASTmags wasn't as bulky as I thought they
would be. They don't stick out much more than another double mag pouch.
It's nice to have the added capacity without having to take up another
column of PALS webbing on a rig. I've shown the double-stacked FASTmags
attached to the front of a Crye CAGE chassis, giving me two quick-access
mags which I'll replenish from the other pouches.

Attached to CAGE chassis

Six FASTmags

Like the Gen 2 FASTmag, the Gen 3 is designed to fit USGI 30-round
magazines, but will also accomodate HK mags, Pmags and the Lancer
mags I have. The TangoDown ARC mags will also fit, but not sit all
the way down. Note that the civilian ARC mag without the rubber seal
and ridge will fit, but the military version won't.

CP
Gear FASTmag Flap

11/16/09
- CPGear
by Wheeler in Canada has introduced a FASTmag
Flap for the ITW Gen 3 FASTmag. It's a fabric flap that attaches
to the FASTmag to provide added security and camouflage.

Description
- The FASTmag flap is designed for the tabbed (molle-compatible)
version of the ITW Gen 3 FASTmag. It will not work with Gen 1 or
Gen 2 FASTmags. The flap comes in two pieces; the flap portion and
the front portion. The flap portion has velcro on it, a pull tab
and two metal triglides attached to elastic loops. The front portion
has malice clips, loop velcro which interfaces with the flap, and
two PALS rows for attaching pouches. It can be used with the FASTmag
right side up or inverted.

FASTmag flap

Rear of flap

Attached to FASTmag

Open

Tucked behind mag

Setup and usage - The
flap attaches to the tabbed FASTmag by inserting the triglides through
the top tab holes. The flap is then secured when the FASTmag is attached
to PALS webbing. The front portion attaches to the front of the FASTmag
by the malice clips. The FASTmag flap was designed to be used with
USGI 30-round magazines, so any mags that are longer might not work
well with it. Pmags are too long. The elastic has some 'give', and
I had to use that stretch to ensure that the velcro in front overlapped
enough to be secure with my USGI mag and ranger plate on the bottom.

It's possible to attach the flap to the belt version of the FASTmag,
which doesn't have the tabs on top, by sliding the straps on the back
of the FASTmag through the triglides as shown below. However, it doesn't
work well with 30-round mags as the attach point of the flap is now
lower than before, and shortens it. It can be used with 20-round mags
though.

Closed

Attached to belt version

Too tight for 30-rnd mag

On rig

The FASTmag flap also folds in half, on itself, and can be tucked
away behind the mag for immediate access. Inserting a mag is now
a two-handed job, just like most flapped mag pouches, instead of
just being able to insert it into the FASTmag. I found the FASTmag
flap to work the same as other mag pouch flaps, and secure as long
as USGI mags were used. I'd like to see CP Gear work on a version
optimized for the front FASTmag or just a simple camo cover without
flap.

EAGLE
INDUSTRIES UNIVERSAL CHEST RIG (SKD TACTICAL MOLLE VERSION)

1/28/06 - This
is the Eagle Industries Universal Chest Rig, SKD
MOLLE version, from SKD
Tactical. The UCR is an SKD-exclusive version of Eagle's
CR-PHUTV (Chest Rig, Paul Howe Universal Tactical Vest). The CR-PHUTV
has been in high demand since it was introduced in early 2005, due
to it's simplicity, great value, and versatility. It was designed
by Paul Howe (a very well-respected veteran of the Army Special Forces).
The original CR-PHUTV had two MBITR radio pouches on each end, but
SKD Tactical had Eagle remove these, and replace them with two columns
of PALS instead, to allow attachment of any MOLLE-compatible pouch
that fits in that space. This further increases the versatility of
this rig, as the MBITR pouches were sized rather specifically.

The main body of the UCR is basically a panel 21.5" wide x 7"
tall. On the front are 4 open-top rifle mag pouches, with four pistol
mag pouches piggy-backed on the front of the middle two. On each end
of the panel are the SKD-mod; 2 columns X 4 rows of PALS. On the back
of the panel is a trapezoidal-shaped mesh pocket for storing flat
items. It has no closure. The panel is actually made of two layers
cordura, and is 'hollow' inside, to form an internal storage compartment.
This compartment is accessed through the velcro opening between the
shoulder strap take-off points, and has a couple of tabs to assist
in opening. The compartment has grommets on the back for drainage.

The shoulder straps are padded, and attach to the body with 1-1/4"
buckles in front, and 1" buckles at the sides. A dual-adjustable
1" waist belt completes the strap system. All plastic hardware
is from National Molding but is cross-compatible with ITW Fastex hardware.

Front view

Mesh pocket on the rear

Inside compartment and pouch layout

All pouches are grommeted

On the front of the rig are four pistol mag pouches,
with two flaps that cover two at a time. These will fit most pistol
mags out there, but the flaps are a bit short. The flaps are perfect
for Glock 19 mags (for which the rig was designed for), but the velcro
will have only about 1/2" of engagement on longer mags. The G17
mag seems to be the limit for engagement of the velcro with about 3/8"
of engagement. Two single stack .45 mags will fit in each pouch, for
a total of 8. If Eagle extended the flaps by 1" and made them separate,
that'd be my personal preference.

The four rifle mag pouches are sized for two M4 30-round mags each,
but will also fit one AK or FAL mag. Each pouch has 1" elastic
for retention, while the two outer pouches also have an adjustable 1"
strap for added retention. Other than that, the pouches are open-top
and have no lids. They're quick to access and seem to be secure enough.
The AK mag is shown bullets down in the pouch, but it is more prone
to the mag catch tang snagging than with the bullets up. The two end
pouches will also fit a handgun, if you choose to carry one there. I
was able to fit my Kimber Warrior with light in there.

4 pistol mag pouches

G17's the limit for the velcro

A variety of mags and a G19

I have a short torso, so I tend to wear a chest rig high, or else it'll
interfere with any belt rig I'm wearing. I also have trouble wearing
a pack with most rigs as they interfere with the use of a hip/waist
belt, but the UCR is probably the most pack-compatible rig I currently
have. It's a very stable platform, with no slippage or shifting of the
load whatsoever, when adjusted properly. The shoulder strap adjustments
are like all others I've seen - they tighten by pulling up and back.
Hence they have to be pre-adjusted before you put the UCR on, which
isn't difficult or awkward at all. The waist strap can be adjusted on
the go if needed. Removing the rig is accomplished simply by unbuckling
one end of the waist belt, and lifting it over your head. I haven't
found a need to unbuckle the shoulder straps too at the front yet, although
that would be the fastest way of ditching it.

This rig was designed to be worn alone, over body armour, in a vehicle,
with a pack etc. Shown below is the rig worn with a Kifaru Express.
I'm able to utilize the hip belt of the Express with the UCR - something
I have trouble doing with most other rigs. The UCR shoulder straps are
low profile enough for the pack straps to sit on top of, but definitely
more comfortable than 'seatbelt' webbing alone. I think they're a very
good combination, and would recommend this rig for use with a pack if
you're looking for one with minimal interference. Also shown is the
rig worn with a Crye armoured belt rig.

Front view

Rear

Worn with Kifaru Express

Worn with Crye belt/HSGI suspenders

SKD Tactical has added more versatility to the already versatile
CR-PHUTV with the MOLLE modification. I'd have to put this rig at
the top of my list of recommendations for sheer value. Even though
it'll work well for experienced and 'beginning' shooters alike, it
also makes a great 'starter rig' for someone new to the gear/tactical
carbine world. In general, I've noticed, most people start out by
needing carbine mag pouches and some pistol pouches, which the UCR
offers already built in. Try building a modular rig with equivalent
capacity for under $90. You'll be hard-pressed to do it, and also
match the quality of Eagle Industries.

8/06/06 - This
is more of a suppliment than a full writeup to the Eagle Industries
Universal Chest Rig, SKD
MOLLE version, shown above. SKD
Tactical is offering an
all-molle version of the UCR platform. It's not a standard Eagle
offering, but exclusive to SKD. The molle version shares the same
12.5" x 7" panel and shoulders straps as the UCR and has
the same internal compartment in the center and mesh pocket in the
rear (refer to the writeup above for details). The only difference
is that it has no sewn-on pockets, but a PALS grid of 14 channels
x 4 rows so the user can configure the chest rig with his own pouches.
It's a simple, low-profile platform that isn't too bulky to be worn
over body armour. I've shown it below with the Esstac Toaster pouch
and EMDOM 6o4 pistol mag pouch.

Front view

Mesh pocket on the rear and center compartment

Front view, worn

With pouches

Esstac Double M4 "Toaster" mag pouch -
Just when I thought that there wasn't anything really new that could
be done in M4 rifle mag pouch design, the double
M4 "Toaster" pouch made by Essential Tactical and carried
by SKD comes out. The Toaster is a pouch that holds two M4 30 round
mags. What makes this pouch unique is that the front magazine will
'pop up' like a piece of toast when the lid is lifted up. Inside the
pouch is an ingeniously designed elastic suspension system, which
serves two purposes - to provide elastic retention for the inner magazine,
and to pop the front mag up. The first 1.5" elastic strap loop
is sewn to the rear of the pouch, and retains the inner magazine securely.
The second elastic strap is sewn vertically to the first elastic strap
and to the inside front of the pouch, leaving some space at the bottom.
When the outer magazine is inserted, it stretches the front strap
as it's pushed to the bottom of the pouch. The lid is closed while
pushing the magazine down. When the lid is opened, the front mag pops
up about 1.5" higher than the inner mag, making it easier to
grab and extract as it puts more of the mag body in your hand.
The opening of the pouch body is held open by a stiff, thick piece
of webbing. This give the opening its shape, provides support for
the elastic strap and also ensures that the mag pops out properly.
The lid is extremely solidly built and stiff at the bottom - no pull
tab is needed. Ample velcro overlap in front ensures the tensioned
lid won't open accidentally. The lid is long enough to accomodate
mags with ranger plates. The back of the pouch has a PALS grid for
malice clip attachment and there's a grommet at the bottom of the
pouch. Construction and quality are excellent.
The pouch eliminates the need for any Magpuls or 550 cord pulls on
the front magazine, although they'd be helpful on the second mag.
The stiff lid is easy to open, and the mag literally pops up into
your hand (no, it doesn't fly out, it's just raised in the pouch).
Shown below mounted to the Eagle/SKD molle chest rig, I'd say that
this is arguably the quickest and easiest first-mag access closed-top
M4 mag pouch out there.

Toaster pouch

Front mag popped up

Internal elastic

Lid lifted up, mag popped up

Easy access to mag

Original
SOE Gear Micro Rigs

2/21/09
- The idea of a small, lightweight 'micro' rig isn't a new
one. There may be times when there is no need or time to don a full
rig (or space to store it), and all that's needed is a few magazines
or essential items. The old Biafran Mile Run pouch comes to mind,
as does the SORD MFF reviewed below.

The solution has come in various
forms; small bags, bandoleers, small chest rigs etc. Original
SOE Gear now offers their take on the small, lightweight rig in
the form of their Micro
Rigs. Originally designed as bandoleers for a quick grab and go,
the Micro Rigs can also be worn as mini-chest rigs for a more stable
platform.

Description -
There are two models: the AK/M4 Micro Rig, and the PALS Micro Rig.
1.5" wide webbing is used for the shoulder straps which are connected
to the platform with side-release buckles at the top and side corners
of the platform. A 1" wide waist strap is attached, also with
side-release buckles. The platform/panel also forms a full sized internal
pocket with velcro closure. Two tabs at the top aid in pulling the
opening apart. Inside the pocket is a 12" wide strip of 3"
loop velcro for attaching optional organizers or velcro-backed pouches.

AK/M4 Micro Rig
- The AK/M4 Micro rig has two mag pouches sewn on the left side with
adjustable lids. Each pouch will hold 2 M4 mags, PMags, or AK mags.
The lids are secured with velcro, and the openings of the pouches
are stiffened so they don't collapse completely. To the right of the
mag pouches is a utility pocket measuring 6 x 6 x 2 inches. A blowout
kit of IFAK will fit in the utility pouch. The utility pocket flap
also has 3 ” wide loop velcro inside to attach (optional) organizers.
The lid is secured with velcro. The AK/M4 Micro rig also has a tubular
webbing grab handle which the PALS rig doesn't.

PALS Micro Rig - The PALS Micro Rig is 7”
tall by 13” wide and has 8 columns by 3 rows of colour-matched
PALS. Other than the lack of pouches, everything else is the same
as the M4/AK Micro rig.

Both rigs are constructed of 1000D Cordura nylon with OSOE's typical
overbuilt construction.

PALS Micro Rig

PALS rig rear

M4/AK Micro Rig

Lids open

Rear of M4/AK rig

Setup and usage - Both
Micro Rigs can be worn as either a mini-chest rig, or over the shoulder
as a bandoleer by removing one shoulder strap. I found the 1.5"
shoulder straps to be very easy to adjust by sliding the triglides up
and down. Releasing the rig is as simple as undoing the waist strap
and lifting it over your head, or unclicking one of the shoulder straps.

With M4 and AK mags

Internal pocket

PALS Micro Rig

The M4/AK Micro Rig is optimized for right handers, as the rifle
mag pouches are located on the left side. Worn as a bandoleer (shown
in the two right photos below), however, worked well for me as a left
hander. For bandoleer configuration, I just removed one of the shoulder
straps. It goes on and off quickly. When worn as as chest rig or bandoleer,
I found it important to ensure that the waist strap was snug, to prevent
the whole rig being pulled up when extracting mags, and also to prevent
shifting of the load when on the move. Worn properly, the Micro Rig
is very stable.

The Micro Rigs have a lot of uses - as an active shooter response
kit, minimal range gear setup, or worn with a pack etc. The PALS Rig
will actually accomodate four double mag pouches, so it's possible
to load it up with 8 mags. That's a bit much for the unpadded shoulder
straps, in my opinion, but OSOE offers padded shoulder straps if you
need them.

Note: Some customers contacted me in the past
concerning issues with backordered items from OSOE. OSOE is not taking
individual orders anymore and is directing customers to purchase from
their network of dealers. To avoid any delays in orders, it's a good
idea to verify with the dealer that items are in stock.

M4/AK Micro Rig

M4/AK rig worn as a bandoleer

Another item from OSOE is a camera strap made from tubular webbing
for comfort. It attaches with two 550 cord loops on the ends. One
side of the webbing is flat (non-tubular) and the end is pulled to
shorten the strap. The ladder lock is pulled up to lengthen the strap.
The flat webbing must be separated from the tubular side in order
to thread it through the 550 cord loop. It is then routed back through
the ladder loc, where it will not slip out by accident. I installed
the strap on my Nikon D80 SLR, and found the tubular webbing very
comfortable around my neck and didn't find it too heavy for the 1"
wide webbing.

Camera strap

Taken apart for installation

SORD
Australia Military Free Fall Chest Rig

1/29/06 - This is the Military
Free Fall rig (MFF)
from SORD
Australia (Special Operations Research and Development). SORD
carries a variety of miltiary and tactical equipment, and also manufactures
products of their own design. The MFF is one of SORD's own products,
and it's designed as specialized rig for anyone who may not have the
room for a full-sized vest or chest rig, or requires little or no
interference with webbing, harness or packs. Designed for free fall
parachutists, drivers, climbers etc, the MFF only covers the front
of the chest, out of the way of most other equipment with the minimum
of bulk.

The single trapezoidal panel has 3 rows of
PALS webbing on it. The upper corners are angled off, which restricts
the column of PALS on either side to two rows of PALS. The center
portion has 6 columns x 3 rows of PALS webbing. The panel is lightly
padded and retains its shape. The shoulder straps are 2"
wide, and are constructed of 2" wide webbing with 1" webbing
sewn on top. This makes for a very low profile, flat strap, which
is more than adequate for a rig this size. The shoulder straps connect
to the front via 1" SR fastex buckles and ladder locks at the
sides of the panel. A 1" waist strap is attached and adjusted
to the panel with ladder locks. It was spec'd this way for parachuting,
to prodive more security than an SR buckle. Both the shoulder and
waist straps are long enough to wear the MFF over body armour. Construction,
quality and materials are very good.

Front view

Back view

Close up of low profile shoulder straps

As you can see from the photos below, it's an
extremely compact rig. It just covers the chest area, and it's
nice and stable. I loaded it up with a BH STRIKE double M4 pouch, a
SOTECH small utility pouch and a Maxpedition flashlight pouch. I could
have added another pistol mag pouch on the PALS next to the M4 pouch
but didn't need to. Just like the Eagle UCR reviewed above, the MFF
interfaces nicely with a pack. Even better actually, due to its compact
size. The photos below illustrate how there is absolutely no interference
whatsoever with a pack, and the low profile shoulder straps are almost
unnoticeable under the pack's straps.

Front and back, worn

With Kifaru Express pack

No interference with pack straps

The pics below show it worn over a Crye belt rig, and the same pouches
attached as in the previous photos. I'm carrying two FAL mags instead
of M4 mags, since that's what I'm shooting. Wearing it, I'm
reminded of Eagle's Biafran Mile Run rig, which was a minimalist chest
pouch designed to carry only a couple of essential items, only it was
smaller and wasn't modular. The MFF might suit the same purpose as well,
with greater versatility. The only change I made to the MFF was to replace
one of the waist strap ladder locks with a SR buckle, to make donning
and doffing easier. (SORD tells me that they had already planned to
implement this in their updated model)

MFF with Crye belt

The MFF is about as small/low profile a chest rig as you can get,
and still be practical. Depending on what pouches you install, its
carrying capacity might surprise you. Besides its intended military
users, I also think it's perfect for the backcountry hiker or hunter
to carry ammunition or essentials within reach and quick access when
wearing a pack. It'd also make a good platform for field photographers
with the right pouches.

Here's another example - shown below with the EMDOM USA Wide 3"
pouch (found on this page) - this might give
you medics and SAR guys some ideas. Just by chance, I also found that
I could flip this rig around and wear it backwards like a little small-of-the-back
pack with NO adjustment of the shoulder straps.

MFF with EMDOM WL 3"

Worn backwards

PARACLETE R.A.C.K.
(Ranger Assault Carrying Kit)

As far as the story goes, the R.A.C.K.
in its first incarnation was originally made by Tactical Tailor for 2/75 with
sewn down pockets. When the entire Regiment wanted it, Natick stepped in,
added PALS and had SDS (Specialty Defense Systems) produce it for the U.S
Army Rangers. Blackhawk also makes their version, as does Paraclete, as shown
here. Thanks to J.S. for the loan of this item for pics. Since I have neither
the BH or SDS versions on hand, I can't compare them to this product. The
main panel has 3 rows of PALS webbing and 20 channels/columns. The bib (which
can be folded out of the way) has 3 rows and 6 channels. The bib is held up
by two tabs of webbing which go through D-rings on the shoulder straps. On
the inside, the main body has 3 mesh pockets for maps or small/flat items
and the bib has 1, with velcro tab closures.

The quality is the usual high standard
of Paraclete with all high-stress points bartacked. At first, I had reservations
about the comfort of the shoulder straps as they are only 1.5" wide and
unpadded. However, donning the vest and loading it up proved to be more comfortable
than I thought. Quite a pleasant surprise, actually. It's quite form fitting,
just like the BH STRIKE chest harness. The shoulder straps are a bit difficult
to adjust as you have to pull up and back. You can pre-set the length of the
straps, but have to get used to taking it on and off. The advantage to the
thin straps are that they do not affect the wearing of a ruck at all. The
shoulder straps are connected to the front of the main body via side-release
fastex buckles, in case the rig needs to be ditched or taken off quickly.
The bib attachments will have to be released first, of course. The setup shown
here consists of the following Paraclete pouches: 1 quad pistol mag, 4 double
M4, 1 radio, 1 small GP and 2 flashbang pouches.

Front view

Front view showing pouches

Inside view

Front view

Rear

PARACLETE RAV (RELEASABLE ASSAULT
VEST) ASSAULTER KIT
As the name implies, this vest released via a 'rip cord' handle for emergency
doffing. It's covered in PALS webbing and will hold soft and hard armour plates.
The assaulter kit comes with a zillion pouches and pockets. The smoke green
colour is REALLY nice. Don't write me about it - this one isn't mine.

PARACLETE RAV (RELEASABLE ASSAULT
VEST) - DESERT
This is the 3-colour desert version of the RAV. This thing has almost too
MUCH PALS webbing, making it tempting to fill every available space with a
pouch. This vest is designed for mounted patrols or door kicking, not long
range jungle walks or mountain climbs. Too friggin' heavy, bulky and hot (with
plates and ballistic panels). Some of the key features of the RAV include:

Quick-ditch 'cut-away' mechanism, activated by a pull of the release 'pillow',
which can be placed on the left or right.

Completely covered in PALS webbing for attachment of any PALS compatible
pouches

Vest seperates at the shoulders and rear cummerbund attach points in the
back

Front and rear plate pockets

Front and rear panelshave compartments for soft ballistic inserts with #10
YKK zippers at the bottom.

Back panel zips off and can be switched with other panels for different
configurations. Will also accomodate a small hydration bladder.